Floodwaters Threaten Sioux Falls RV Park

The water level around Larson’s Landing in Sioux Falls, S.D.,was increasing about 4 inches each day over the Memorial Day weekend and threatened what seasonal and permanent residents call home, KDLT-TV, Sioux Falls, reported.

“We planned for when they said three feet originally, at 110,000 cubic feet per second. And we just got that sandbagged throughout the whole park and then we got a message they were going to 150,000. I threw my hands up and said ‘I can’t win with you guys,’” said Doug Larson, owner of Larson’s Landing RV Park.

The thought of what the damage could do always remains in the back of Larson’s mind.

“I am concerned that the higher it goes the more current and the more that will be washed away and the more damage I’ll have,” said Larson.

“The dams were built to control the flooding. That’s their mission,” said Larry Wardell, a resident of Larson’s Landing. “And it’s gotten away from that. And that’s why you have this stuff happening.”

“I’m sure I’ll have a lot of damage, but there is nothing more I can do about it,” said Larson.

Luckily for those who own RVs, they can move their homes. But if the Corps is correct with their projections, Larson’s home could be under water.

“I’m guessing that it’s going to go above the point that they originally planned,” says Larson. “The Corps is saying it’s going to go over the roof of my house.”

Hoping that one day, when the water goes down, they can come back.

“The only thing is because a lot of us are year-long residents, we’re probably not going to be able to come back into this place until next spring. If at all,” said Wardell.

“I’m hoping there is something here to clean up. I’m afraid at 150,000 it’s all going to disappear,” said Larson.

Larson first opened his RV Park 15 years ago.

People started moving out today and the park should be completely evacuated, including Larson and his family, by Wednesday.